Summer is basically synonymous with vacation time. After drudging your way through the winter months, you and your loved ones are likely ready to kick back, relax and take in some sights. However, many people don’t have a leisurely week to allot to a lengthy vacation. Below are four great ideas for a vacation that can be condensed into a long weekend.
Spend Three Days in Tennessee
No matter where you live, Tennessee is a fairly central destination in the U.S. If you want to take a vacation with your loved one but don’t have a full week, East Tennessee is an excellent place to feel like you’ve had a full week of activities that can be packaged into just a few days. East Tennessee is home to a pocket of sister cities in the gorgeous foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Knoxville and a few other small towns all offer their own unique attractions, all within a short drive from each other. Spend a cozy night in a snowy ski lodge in Ober Gatlinburg, enjoying mountain ski and snowboard slopes. Head down the mountain and spend a day taking in incredible shows, visit funky museums like WonderWorks, hit up the Dollywood amusement park, and shop some of the most unique stores you’ll ever see in Sevierville.
Throw a Dart at the South Carolina Coast
South Carolina offers some of the best beach destinations on the East Coast. If you want a relaxing beach vacation and are short on time, South Carolina is the place to go. The majority of the beach towns in South Carolina cater to weekend and long-weekend visitors, making it ideal to spend only a few days. As an added bonus, South Carolina beach towns make it easy to find a beach house for rent that doesn’t require a week-long stay.
Take a Staycation
Don’t underestimate the fun you can have on a staycation. Simply put, this means exploring your city and your surrounding area through the eyes of a tourist. Look at a local travel guide online and find some attractions that you’ve likely heard of but haven’t visited. You can even utilize a home-away service to find a unique place to stay, making it feel like a true vacation.
Visit a National Park
Another great idea for a short vacation is to visit a nearby National Park. These parks are designed to offer beauty, educational experiences and most have outdoor recreation. Depending on the season you can camp out or rent a cabin to enjoy the most of your outdoorsy getaway.
These are just a few ideas for a short vacation that will still leave you relaxed and refreshed. Remember, the most important thing for a vacation is to spend some quality time with the ones you love!